24 Things Disney Movies Taught Us About Getting Married and Living Happily Ever After

I’m probably not alone when I say that a great deal of my knowledge of relationships at an early age came from Disney movies. Given the problematic nature of a lot of the things these movies (as much as I love them) teach, it’s probably good that I didn’t internalize them too much, and that I let my views develop and change over time. Naturally, though, it’s not too much of a surprise that a lot of my early knowledge about marriage and what it’s like to have a wedding came from these movies. From classics like Cinderella and Snow White to newer offerings like Frozenand Brave, each of these films has something to say about getting hitched.

Of course, not all of the lessons the movies offer are good ones. It’s a mixed bag: Some of them are great; some of them aren’t; some of them are ridiculously outdated; and some of them are nice thoughts, but not actually applicable in real life. I haven’t actually tied the knot yet, but if or when I do, you’d better believe I’ll be taking all of these little tidbits of information with one very large grain of salty, salty salt.

But that’s not going to stop me from firing up Mulan the next time I get stuck inside on a rainy day.

1. A chorus of birds will serenade you as you walk down the aisle.

2. And a small army of woodland creatures will custom make your dress for you.

3. A wedding signals a happy ending…

4. …Except sometimes, you have to do battle with a giant octopus first.

5. It’s A-OK to marry someone you just met…

6. …Except when it’s not.

Be careful about rushing into things. S/he could turn out to be an evil, conniving, power-hungry jerk.

7. Your spouse-to-be will clean up incredibly well for the ceremony, even if s/he’s a beast every other day of the year.

So, y’know, don’t get used to it.

8. Getting enough sleep before the big day is of the utmost importance.

9. You know that guy or gal you’re kinda sorta friends with, but whose unhealthy obsession with you kind of freaks you out? S/he’ll be totally fine with you tying the knot with someone else.

Because they’re awesome and mature like that.

10. If you're about to marry the wrong person, you'll miraculously realize it right before the wedding happens.

And you'll find the person you should actually be marrying, all in one go.

11. Nothing brings family together like a wedding!

If your parents don’t like who you’ve chosen as your life partner, they’ll put their concerns aside and help you celebrate your union with love and respect. How nice.

12. But your mother figure will still try to sabotage you at every opportunity.

13. Your pets will have their very own wedding at the same time you have yours.

Because obviously they will fall in love, too. The pictures will be adorable.

14. If you reveal to your spouse-to-be that you’re someone totally different right before you get married, s/he’ll be cool with it.